Add thelocalreport.in As A Trusted Source
The Delhi High Court on Friday, November 28, quashed the proceedings initiated by the Lokpal of India against Defense Secretary Rajesh Kumar Singh and others over alleged irregularities in promotions in the National Productivity Council (NPC).
According to Bar and Bench, a division bench of Justices Anil Kshetrapal and Harish Vaidyanathan Shankar ruled in favor of the petitioners, who had challenged the Ombudsman’s notice issued in January regarding promotions held on March 28, 2023. The High Court had earlier put a stay on the investigation in March.
The petitioners argued that the promotion took place before Singh took charge as Secretary, DPIIT, on April 21, 2023, and hence, he cannot be held responsible. He further argued that the Lokpal had exceeded its jurisdiction, as the Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act, 2013 only allows investigation of corruption or offenses under the Prevention of Corruption Act, not administrative promotion disputes.
The court accepted the argument that allegations of procedural irregularities in promotions did not fall within the statutory purview of the Lokpal.
Rajesh Kumar Singh, a 1989 batch IAS officer of Kerala cadre and currently the 40th Defense Secretary of India, was represented by senior advocate Vikas Singh along with advocates Varun Singh, Deepika Kalia, Kajal Gupta, Somesa Gupta and Sudeep Chandra.
Also read: Global liquor giants sue Maharashtra over sharp tax hike, exclusion from lower tax bracket